Maserati MC12 homologation rejected

The ACO, the Le Mans 24 Hours organiser whose regulations are also applied to the new Le Mans Endurance Series, has accepted the MC12 for its GTS division, but this approval is of no practical use to Maserati because it is subject to reduced front and rear overhangs and overall vehicle width. These dimensions are understood now also to have persuaded the FIA not to homologate the car in its present form. In any case there are positive indications that the FIA GT and ACO GTS regulations will be successfully merged in the near future.

Last year the FIA World Motor Sport Council appeared to encourage Maserati by rejecting a proposal that carbon-chassis FIA GT cars must be closely based on a model manufactured in a quantity of at least 100. The WMSC cleared the company to produce only 25 of its V12 'supercars', although it will actually build 49.

Stephane Ratel of SRO, the FIA GT series promoter, commented: "If the FIA considers that any part of a road car will give an advantage on the track, it can refuse homologation. I run an FIA championship and I respect the decision of the FIA. I would be glad to accept the car in the championship but, if it is not accepted by the FIA, I can't. Our series will continue to grow without it and I hope and expect to see the car in a different configuration at a later date.

No comment was forthcoming from the Ferrari Maserati Group company but it is understood to be working on an evolution version that can be raced both in FIA GT and in the LMES - but not until 2006.